The all-around performer
Written: Dec 16 '02 (Updated Feb 03 '03)
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Pros: Full range response (integrated subwoofer), high quality construction, excellent sound
Cons: Weight, non-transferable warranty
The Bottom Line: If you want a full-range floorstanding speaker that's not a waste of money or space, the RTi-100 is top notch.
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| dgeesaman's Full Review: Polk Audio RTi100 Main / Stereo Speaker |
I'd describe myself as an enthusiast listener on a budget. In other words, I bought the RTi-100s with the intention of keeping them for some years. I use my RTi-100s for TV/home theater and occasional stereo.
The sound is clear and rich at all volume levels, and it doesn't overfill my small living room. Unlike a lot of speakers I considered, I was able to listen to them first (Circuit City) before buying. Make sure to tweak the speaker placement - I moved from 6" to 3" from the wall and the difference is astonishing. I won't pretend to have the refined ears of an audiophile, but apparently this speaker has gotten excellent reviews from that crowd as well.
The RTi-100s have built-in powered subwoofers. The bass is great - powerful but always in balance with the mids and highs. You can wire them a few ways - I'm simply using the left and right powered channels out of the receiver and allowing the crossover in the speaker to separate. If that's not your preference you can use the controls in back of the speaker to adjust the sub amps and crossover, or connect the subs on a line-level separate channel and configure through the receiver. This pair of subs is powerful enough to make most any enthusiast forget about buying a component sub. My first test was a viewing of Blackhawk Down, and it was truly impressive.
The RTi100 looks great - only 8" wide, about 14" deep; it's attractive without demanding attention. The height is just right for seated listening - at about 3.5' the tweeters hit you perfectly. The cherry veneer finish matches my cherry tables nicely, and it appears sturdy enough I don't expect any peeling or wear and tear. Just be prepared when you need to move them - these are not bookshelf speakers at 65lb apiece and 40" tall. This can be good, though - they aren't knocked over easily and don't need stands.
I bought mine from a seller on Ebay for a good price. Unfortunately Polk's 3 year warranty is non-transferrable, even if the boxes were never opened. This is still my only reservation, but fortunately I don't have kids or pets running around my apartment and I don't crank the volume much.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 500 (Ebay)
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Epinions.com ID:
dgeesaman
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Member: David
Location: Harrisburg, PA, USA
Reviews written: 49
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Mechanical Engineer, 31. Enjoy golf, distance running, hiking/backpacking, auto racing, fishing, and ice hockey.
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